I hate it when people say things like"Be strong" (Depression is NOT a weakness)"You need to stay positive" (Wow, I didn't know that, thanks for enlightening me)"Stop thinking that way" (Next time you have a nightmare, I'll tell you to just stop having a nightmare)

Seriously. People saying such things to someone who confesses they're depressed clearly know nothing about depression. And sometimes words of ignorance are worse than awkward silence. Yes I know they usually say so out of good intentions, but then again the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And when I fail to appreciate their good will they're like "no wonder you're depressed, you're so negative." Geez.

Even if other people have experienced " worse "Even if someone else who went through the same experience doesn't feel debilitated by itEven if it " could have been avoided" Even if it happened a long time agoEven if no one knowsYour trauma is real and valid and you deserve space to talk about itIt isn't desperate or attention seeking... it's self careIt's inconceivably braveRegardless of the magnitude of your struggle your allowed to take care of yourself by processing and unloading some of the pain that you carry.Your pain matters Your experience mattersAnd your healing mattersNothing and no one can take that away --- Daniell Koepke

Love and hugs always to you

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that! -- Rocky Balboa